Not long after introducing the new G35 sedan as an early 2003 model, Nissans luxury division had a sumptuously shaped G35 Sport Coupe offshoot ready. Though the two body styles are related, they share no body panels. Featuring rear-wheel drive and a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the G35 sedan is fitted with a fully independent multilink suspension and side curtain-type airbags. An available Aero Package includes a rear spoiler and underbody side fairings. The G35 Sport Coupe is built on a racing-inspired FM (front midships) platform and is designed with 52/48 weight distribution. It uses the same V-6 engine as the G35 sedan, but the V-6 in the coupe pumps out 280 hp. Infiniti says the G35 Sport Coupes suspension tuning is slightly more aggressive than the sedans because it makes extensive use of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. Luxury and Sport models are available. For the 2004 model year, the coupe earns a sunroof and a power rear sunshade, and side sills become standard. The sedan gets a new tire-pressure monitor and heated mirrors, and 17-inch wheels are standard in the G35 sedan for 2004. A limited-slip differential is installed on sedans featuring the Leather Package and six-speed gearbox. Cloth upholstery is standard in the G35 sedans five-passenger interior, which features a tilting gauge cluster and an in-dash six-CD changer. The Leather Package includes leather-appointed seats and an eight-way power drivers seat. The Premium Package adds dual climate control, a drivers seat memory and a 200-watt Bose audio system with Radio Data System (RDS) technology. The trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet of cargo. In the G35 Sport Coupe, four people fit into the driver-oriented 2+2 cockpit, which is available with ultrasoft Meridian leather and features a sculpted fold-down rear seat. Six-way power adjustment is provided for the drivers seat, and two-way power is available for the front passenger seat. An in-dash six-CD changer is standard. Options include a digital eight-speaker Bose audio system and a DVD-based navigation system. Infiniti also offers XM and Sirius Satellite Radio systems. Even though the G35 may not rank as an all-out performance car, it comes across as one serious sedan. Extra-strong performance is one of the G35s big bonuses. Engine noise is definitely noticeable, but its not an unpleasant sound. This sport sedan takes curves beautifully, simply proceeding where you suggest with the steering wheel. Body roll is minimal, and the engines power helps when heading through quick turns. With both the regular suspension and the tauter setup, the ride is surprisingly smooth on most surfaces even on somewhat bumpy pavement. Because the base model is so stable and flat, the differences with the sport suspension dont come across as dramatic. Sporty in both appearance and feel, the two-door G35 Sport Coupe has plenty of eager energy on tap. Enthusiastic drivers can hardly ask for more on twisty roads as this car operates with stunning precision and super stability. Even though the suspension is definitely taut, the ride is surprisingly easy but jolts inevitably occur on rougher pavement surfaces. An automatic-transmission model is just about as satisfying as the manual-shift coupe, which has an easy-shifting notchy gearbox and a clutch thats no problem to modulate. The drivers seat feels cozily snug and ready for action, but front headroom with the sunroof could be better. A refined yet exuberant exhaust note rounds out the stimulating G35 Sport Coupes sensations.
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